When you're single and find yourself without a hookup on the horizon, it doesn't mean you can't have great sex—you might just need some new masturbation techniques in order to try some hot new moves on yourself.

Masturbating may seem pretty straightforward: Many people just find a basic technique that works and stick with it, but it can really be as simple or elaborate as you want to make it. And trying out something new by yourself can also give you more to add to sex with a partner later. Or just spice up your repertoire. Whatever you're into!

"I'm always blown away by the different ways women masturbate," says sex therapist Vanessa Marin, who teaches an online course about orgasms called Finishing School. We asked her about some of the ways we could spice up our own self-love lives, and she delivered with the tips:

1. Edging

Marin recommends slowing down your masturbation sessions for more intense orgasms. When you feel yourself getting close, stop, then pick back up again when you've calmed down a bit. Keep doing this for as long as you can stand, and the results should be explosive.

2. No hands

While your hands or sex toy may be the most obvious instruments to masturbate with, using something else can be "a really fun challenge," says Marin. Shower heads, faucets, pillows, and TV remotes have been known to work for some women.

3. Both hands

Another way to switch up your one-hand technique is to introduce your second hand. "You can try using the other hand to stroke your breasts, labia, perineum, or vaginal canal," Marin suggests. "You can even try swapping clitoral stimulation between your hands, or using both hands on your clitoris simultaneously." We-Vibe’s global passion ambassador Tristan Weedmark suggests using a mini vibrator on your breasts, inner thighs, or other sensitive places.

4. A toy

"Sex toys are a great way to spice up your usual routine, introduce your body to new sensations, and help masturbation feel like a luxurious experience," says Marin. Plus, a sex toy makes an excellent holiday gift to yourself. If you think you've already tried everything, check out our favorites of the new toys that came out this year. You can also use a toy in combination with your hand, putting one inside you and one on the outside, or using them on different parts of your body.

5. Anal play

"So many women neglect the backdoor," laments Marin, "which is a shame because it's such a great source of pleasure!" Anal vibrators and butt plugs are made for this. But if the thought of putting an object up your butt freaks you out, you can try putting lube on one finger and sticking it in while you masturbate. If you want to master a super-advanced technique, try playing with one toy in your butt, another in your vagina, and your hands on your clit.

6. A new position

Sex positions aren't just for coupled sex. You can also experiment with different positions on your own, says Weedmark. One, which she calls the lotus, involves sitting cross-legged with a dual stimulator and leaning forward to increase the pressure. Or, for a challenge, lie on your back with your legs and G-spot vibrator against the wall, and thrust toward the wall. Cross your knees or your ankles to make it even more intense.